One of the side effects of clogged pores and recurrent acne can haunt you for years after the pimples and blemishes have cleared up for good. While inherited genetically by some, large pores are also a common problem for men and women with a history of acne problems. Although not medically harmful in any way, larger pores can be a real nuisance and affect your otherwise clear complexion. Getting rid of them, however, does not need to be an annoying task at all.
Natural Exfoliators to Try
While a harsh microdermabrasion technique is a popular option for those looking to reduce pores, other more natural remedies can also achieve the same results. Try creating a natural exfoliator to minimize your pores with regular application over time. By ridding the skin of clogging materials and excess oil, these scrubs can achieve visible results in a few weeks.
Make your own exfoliating scrub using ingredients you’ll find in your kitchen right now. There are a few different ones to try, all of which are gentle and effective. Add water to oatmeal and make a thick paste, then spread over skin. You might also try rubbing your skin gently with warm water and sea salt for a light scrubbing effect. Finally, mix equal parts of baking soda and water into a fine paste and apply–this gives you deep-penetrating exfoliation.
To get the best results from your home-made scrub, use it after taking a hot shower or steaming your face with a hot towel to open up your pores. The steam and heat will allow your scrub to get deeper into the pores and whisk away any clogging agents that are keeping your pores open wider.
Cool Things Off
Sometimes, it’s not pore clogging that’s keeping your pores large. In other cases, your pores are stretched out from repeated clogging over time, even when you’ve got them free and clear. Instead of heat and scrubs, try applying a cold compress each day to keep pores shrinking on a temporary basis. Another approach is to use cold milk as a face mask, which soothes the skin and encourages cell turnover. To use this method, dip a wash cloth in cold milk, wring it out, and apply it as a compress to your face for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse with cool water when you’re finished.
Daily Tips to Help Reduce Pores
Other daily habits can help you to keep pores looking smaller each and every day. Follow these tips from skin care experts at HubPages to get good results over time:
- Get rid of your harsh acne products. Any products that contain alcohol, acids, or peroxides can actually keep your pores open wider and appearing more enlarged. While the ingredients do give the temporary “tightening” effect to your pores, it won’t last… and can actually make pores worse when they stop working.
- Try a good sugar scrub weekly. Work a nice scrub into your routine each week, whether it’s one of the homemade ones mentioned above, or a gentle natural-based sugar scrub. These contain natural alpha hydroxy acids to help your pores shrink up without over-stripping your skin with harsh chemicals.
- Limit makeup use on large pore areas. Piling on the makeup can make your large pores appear larger. Stick to a light dusting of face powder and blush to smooth out your complexion without caking the product into your pores.
Keep up these good habits and, over time, your pores will look smaller and smaller. Patience is the key when it comes to these natural treatments, so don’t lose hope.
References:
HubPages. Simple Steps to Reduce Your Pore Size
Livestrong. Natural Ways to Reduce Pore Size.
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